A WOMAN who has battled with her weight for most of her life has revealed how a television programme has inspired her to lose weight and search for Mr Right.

Tracey Barcoe, 28, who lives at Anderton Grange in Northwich, was the first contestant to be evicted from the house on new Living TV show The Biggest Loser, but despite her disappointment decided to carry on slimming and is now two and a half stone lighter.

In an interview for New! magazine Tracey, who works in the family business Resmar Ltd at Winsford, talks about her struggle with her weight.

'I started comfort eating when I was about 12, after I lost my nana in a car accident. I ate chocolate, cakes, biscuits - anything I could get my hands on.

'It wasn't my mum Wynn, 51, and dad Robert, 53, feeding me. I'd go to the shop and get stupid amounts of sweets and hide them under my bed. Nobody knew how much I was eating.

'It wasn't until I was about 18 that I realised it was a major problem. As I got older and started wanting a boyfriend, and going to work, that's when I noticed I was different. I couldn't get fashionable clothes to fit me. I was probably about 19 stone at that stage. Since then I just got bigger.

'I've spent the best part of 10 years trying to lose weight. I've tried every diet going. I'd lose weight but as soon as I started eating normally, I'd put the weight back on.'

As she grew older she believed people didn't find her attractive and the weight was also affecting her blood pressure. But that changed when she agreed to go on the show after spotting a magazine advert.

'When I discovered what would be involved - going away to The Biggest Loser house for 10 weeks, away from home, friends and family, and doing a tough exercise regime I realised I was willing to give up everything to find out why I overeat.

'I was in there for eight days. I wasn't allowed to smoke and I found that really hard. I just couldn't manage the exercising and giving up cigarettes at the same time. But all the cardio work, like rowing and running and weights, was fantastic.

'My confidence grew and I lost four pounds in the house. I was disappointed to leave but I realised I could continue exercising and being healthy.

'After I left the house my life changed overnight. Now I go to the gym four or five times a week, and I go to a Slimming World class.'

Her parents, who live in Winsford, have also joined the class. The Biggest Loser is on 9pm on Thursday on Living TV. A half-hour programme about Tracey will also be shown on Saturday at 11am.